Depending on your budget, you might want to try the following approach:
App. $1500 buys a pair of 12" Rythmik or SVS subs. I know the Rythmiks are awfully good for music (I use 'em) and suspect that the SVS are, as well (feedback from apparently reliable sources and great test results).
$450 buys a Velodyne SMS-1 controller. Use the RTA function on the SMS-1 to optimize placement of the 2 subs. Then, A-B the DRC function to see/hear the difference in bass response between straight subs and DRC subs. If you're impressed, stick with the DRC unit. If not, it's returnable (if you buy it from AudioAdvisor.com, anyway). Even if you end up returning the SMS (and IME, I tend to doubt that) you'll have had the aid of the RTA in optimizing subwoofer placement.
I believe that the SVS subs, the Rythmik subs, the Velo SMS-1 and the SVS/Audyssey DRC units are all available direct with a money back policy. You get to learn with the house's money - except for return shipping.
I'd only add that you need an x-over ahead of the SVS/Audyssey unit. The NHT x-2 x-over is $300, and you should note that the SVS/Audyssey is a greater initial layout ($700 or $800 IIRC).
I'd add that you might want an external x-over with the Velo unit, too (the internal low pass on the SMS-1 isn't my cup of tea), so you might budget accordingly.
Bottom line: $1500 buys a pair of excellent subs. Using 2 allows for optimizing placement to smooth bass response. An SMS-1 (on money back terms) at $450, will allow you to:
A) Optimize placement of the subs for non-DRC use and
B) Compare optimized non-DRC subs with optmized DRC subs
with no additional dollars at risk (besides shipping).
You might end up spending another $300 - $700, if you want an external x-over or the SVS/Audyssey unit with an external crossover.
You're in the $2k to $2.7K range, so it's definitely not spare change, but IMHO you're talking about pretty extraodinary bass performance options here.
Good Luck
Marty
App. $1500 buys a pair of 12" Rythmik or SVS subs. I know the Rythmiks are awfully good for music (I use 'em) and suspect that the SVS are, as well (feedback from apparently reliable sources and great test results).
$450 buys a Velodyne SMS-1 controller. Use the RTA function on the SMS-1 to optimize placement of the 2 subs. Then, A-B the DRC function to see/hear the difference in bass response between straight subs and DRC subs. If you're impressed, stick with the DRC unit. If not, it's returnable (if you buy it from AudioAdvisor.com, anyway). Even if you end up returning the SMS (and IME, I tend to doubt that) you'll have had the aid of the RTA in optimizing subwoofer placement.
I believe that the SVS subs, the Rythmik subs, the Velo SMS-1 and the SVS/Audyssey DRC units are all available direct with a money back policy. You get to learn with the house's money - except for return shipping.
I'd only add that you need an x-over ahead of the SVS/Audyssey unit. The NHT x-2 x-over is $300, and you should note that the SVS/Audyssey is a greater initial layout ($700 or $800 IIRC).
I'd add that you might want an external x-over with the Velo unit, too (the internal low pass on the SMS-1 isn't my cup of tea), so you might budget accordingly.
Bottom line: $1500 buys a pair of excellent subs. Using 2 allows for optimizing placement to smooth bass response. An SMS-1 (on money back terms) at $450, will allow you to:
A) Optimize placement of the subs for non-DRC use and
B) Compare optimized non-DRC subs with optmized DRC subs
with no additional dollars at risk (besides shipping).
You might end up spending another $300 - $700, if you want an external x-over or the SVS/Audyssey unit with an external crossover.
You're in the $2k to $2.7K range, so it's definitely not spare change, but IMHO you're talking about pretty extraodinary bass performance options here.
Good Luck
Marty